Ghanaians observe prayer of thanksgiving

Since 2009 national prayer and thanksgiving services have become fixtures on the nation’s calendar during which prayers are said to seek God’s hand in national affairs.

The programme was instituted by the late President John Evans Atta Mills in February 2009.

It is the way Ghanaians say ‘thank you’ to the Almighty God for the good things He has bestowed on the nation over the years and also seek His guidance  in the years ahead.

During the service, which usually climaxes the country’s independence anniversary, Ghanaians concentrate on issues which unite us rather than those which divide us.

Prayers are said for the Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary, the media, the security services, Ghana's oil find, education, women and children, as well as a revival of God's blessings on the nation.

Christians in the country converged on the Independence Square in Accra yesterday, Sunday, April 7, 2013, for the 5th National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service.

Similar services were held in the  regional and district capitals to climax Ghana's 56th independence anniversary.

The service preceded similar prayers said last Friday by Muslims in the country.

Previous national thanksgiving services have proved worthwhile in that during the exercise, Ghanaians eschewed divisive tendencies, albeit temporarily, for national unity to be exhibited.

This time round, it is expected the service will help calm down nerves, especially considering the raging tension in the country regarding current developments on the political landscape.

Supporters of the ruling NDC and the opposition NPP have been at each other’s throat  through debates on the airwaves, mainly due to ideological differences and political rivalry.

It is expected that the face of God would also be sought in finding solutions to the agitation on the labour front.

The essence of the national thanksgiving service is to unite all Ghanaians to forge ahead in the nation’s development agenda.

Regarding the election petition pending at the Supreme Court, Ghanaians should put their trust in the judges and not to do or say anything untoward.

It is loud that believers in God or Allah will use these prayer sessions to avoid things that will turn back the clock of progress, considering the fact that our country is an island of peace in the sub-region.

Beside the prayers, it is expected that all Ghanaians will work hard to tackle the issues that confront the nation, such as poverty, poor sanitation, low standard of living, education, health and corruption.